Over the years VR has gone from a science fiction pipedream to a household staple for millions of families. Like with any emerging technology, parents and caregivers will want to know more about how they can keep VR appropriate for their kids. ESRB is here to help!

What is VR?

Let’s start with the basics. For many, VR can conjure images of the Holodeck from Star Trek. While that sounds great, we’re not quite there yet. VR currently comes in a few forms, all of which are centered around a headset that is strapped to the users’ face. There are two main types of headsets: Tethered and untethered.

Tethered headsets include devices like the newly released PlayStation VR2 (better known as the PS VR2) and its predecessor the PS VR. These devices must be plugged into an external source, which runs the actual video game. For example, the PS VR2 must be plugged into a PlayStation 5.

The most popular examples of untethered headsets are the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro. Unlike its tethered cousins, these are totally self-contained and run games and apps directly from the device. It’s worth noting that most untethered headsets now have the ability to plug into a computer, opening the door to more games with a higher visual quality (depending upon how beefy your PC is). Note that the Meta Quest Pro is targeted at the business and professional market, rather than the average consumer seeking entertainment options.

Is VR Appropriate for Kids?

Deciding if a VR game or experience is appropriate for your kids is very similar to how you may decide about traditional video games. The big difference here is perspective. Even compared to first person video games, VR can be more immersive due to the user being physically put into the environment, including the ability to interact with aspects of the game using their own movements.

Visuals are only one part of this consideration though. The evolution of “3D audio” aims to mirror how sound would react in the real world depending upon the position of the player’s head. Some headsets like the PS VR2 – also include “haptics” in the headset. This allows for little vibrations or pulses that further immerse the player. Even the controllers have haptics included, making for semi-realistic interactions with in-game environments.

Your tried-and-true strategies for picking appropriate games will likely remain unchanged. It’s always a good idea to start by checking the ratings, and the good news is ESRB assigns age and content ratings to many VR games, including everything available for download on the PlayStation Store and for the Meta Quest.

Beyond that, it will be especially helpful to check gameplay videos on websites like YouTube or Twitch. Doing so will help you better understand how the experience presents to a user and make sure the content and perspective is appropriate for your kids.

All that being said, manufacturers often note that VR headsets are recommended for kids 13 and up.

Online Play in VR

Many games allow users to cooperate, compete, and communicate via online play, and VR is no different. There are some popular games, like Rec Room (Everyone 10+), that allow users to create in-game avatars and interact with others in virtual spaces. This adds another dimension to online play; in addition to voice and/or text players now have a visual, in-game representation of their own body. Note that this is not an exact one-to-one look-alike, but it definitely adds another layer of interactivity and personalization to online video games.

Your tried-and-true strategies for picking appropriate games will likely remain unchanged.

Online play can add a wonderful, innovative layer to games, where users can “exist” in the same space and share experiences, no matter where in the world they are. Like with traditional online video games, it’s still important to keep in mind that not everyone wants to communicate in the same way. Most people play online to have a good time with their friends, but if your kids ever encounter someone behaving inappropriately make sure they know how to mute, block, and/or report the individual.

Keeping VR Experiences Safe and Fun

Virtually all video game consoles have parental controls to help parents and caregivers manage what their kids play, with whom, for how long, and whether money can be spent on new games or in-game purchases. VR is not much different. For example, the PS VR and PS VR2 have parental controls linked to your PlayStation console, allowing you to manage those experiences in the same way you would manage your kid’s traditional video games on the platform.

Meta offers parental supervision tools for the Quest and Quest 2. These are somewhat less comprehensive than other game device parental controls and are more focused on allowing you to

monitor your kids’ VR activity. That said, they are a great step to staying involved with your kids’ video games.

ESRB offers free step-by-step parental controls guides to help make it easier for parents and caregivers to set up these tools. You can find those at ParentalTools.org. For more tips about how you can manage your kids’ video game experiences visit our Family Gaming Guide.

VR Tips

With any new technology there are new intricacies to learn. Here are some additional tips to help you and your family have a great time with your new VR headset:

• Cost May Vary – Some VR headsets cost $399 and others can sell for more than to $1,000. In fact, VR hits just about every price-point in between! Make sure you know what you’re getting, and if you’re looking into a tethered headset double check that you have a PC that is powerful enough or a compatible console.
• Make Some Space – You may recall the many TVs lost to Wiimote accidents; it’s funny to watch but not so funny if it happens in your home. Make sure you set up a dedicated space for VR to prevent any collateral damage! Part of this is also making sure people are not walking into the radius of a pair of wildly flailing arms. VR controllers also come with straps to attach to your wrists, so that may be a new Household Rule to establish.
• Take Breaks – I’m not prone to motion sickness, but there have been times when playing in VR when I find that I get a bit queasy and need to take a break. Meanwhile, my wife gets motion sick walking from the kitchen to the couch, and she’s had wonderful, stable VR experiences. It’s different for everyone, but make sure you and your kids take breaks, drink water, and monitor your reaction to VR experiences, especially as you start out and get used to the technology. Some of this has to do with certain aspects of a game, so while one game may make you feel like you need a 30-year-nap, others will be just fine! To better approach this some storefronts – like the Meta Quest Store – have “comfort ratings”.
• Have Fun! – Video games are a great way to share some quality time with your family. Even in VR, there are myriad games – like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (Everyone 10+) – that can be played together. Not only will you have a good time, but you’ll better understand why your kids love video games and how you can create appropriate video game experiences.

The post What Parents Need to Know About VR appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Over the years VR has gone from a science fiction pipedream to a household staple for millions of families. Like with any emerging technology, parents and caregivers will want to know more about how they can keep VR appropriate for their kids. ESRB is here to help!

What is VR?

Let’s start with the basics. For many, VR can conjure images of the Holodeck from Star Trek. While that sounds great, we’re not quite there yet. VR currently comes in a few forms, all of which are centered around a headset that is strapped to the users’ face. There are two main types of headsets: Tethered and untethered.

Tethered headsets include devices like the newly released PlayStation VR2 (better known as the PS VR2) and its predecessor the PS VR. These devices must be plugged into an external source, which runs the actual video game. For example, the PS VR2 must be plugged into a PlayStation 5.

The most popular examples of untethered headsets are the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro. Unlike its tethered cousins, these are totally self-contained and run games and apps directly from the device. It’s worth noting that most untethered headsets now have the ability to plug into a computer, opening the door to more games with a higher visual quality (depending upon how beefy your PC is). Note that the Meta Quest Pro is targeted at the business and professional market, rather than the average consumer seeking entertainment options.

Is VR Appropriate for Kids?

Deciding if a VR game or experience is appropriate for your kids is very similar to how you may decide about traditional video games. The big difference here is perspective. Even compared to first person video games, VR can be more immersive due to the user being physically put into the environment, including the ability to interact with aspects of the game using their own movements.

Visuals are only one part of this consideration though. The evolution of “3D audio” aims to mirror how sound would react in the real world depending upon the position of the player’s head. Some headsets like the PS VR2 – also include “haptics” in the headset. This allows for little vibrations or pulses that further immerse the player. Even the controllers have haptics included, making for semi-realistic interactions with in-game environments.

Your tried-and-true strategies for picking appropriate games will likely remain unchanged. It’s always a good idea to start by checking the ratings, and the good news is ESRB assigns age and content ratings to many VR games, including everything available for download on the PlayStation Store and for the Meta Quest.

Beyond that, it will be especially helpful to check gameplay videos on websites like YouTube or Twitch. Doing so will help you better understand how the experience presents to a user and make sure the content and perspective is appropriate for your kids.

All that being said, manufacturers often note that VR headsets are recommended for kids 13 and up.

Online Play in VR

Many games allow users to cooperate, compete, and communicate via online play, and VR is no different. There are some popular games, like Rec Room (Everyone 10+), that allow users to create in-game avatars and interact with others in virtual spaces. This adds another dimension to online play; in addition to voice and/or text players now have a visual, in-game representation of their own body. Note that this is not an exact one-to-one look-alike, but it definitely adds another layer of interactivity and personalization to online video games.

Your tried-and-true strategies for picking appropriate games will likely remain unchanged.

Online play can add a wonderful, innovative layer to games, where users can “exist” in the same space and share experiences, no matter where in the world they are. Like with traditional online video games, it’s still important to keep in mind that not everyone wants to communicate in the same way. Most people play online to have a good time with their friends, but if your kids ever encounter someone behaving inappropriately make sure they know how to mute, block, and/or report the individual.

Keeping VR Experiences Safe and Fun

Virtually all video game consoles have parental controls to help parents and caregivers manage what their kids play, with whom, for how long, and whether money can be spent on new games or in-game purchases. VR is not much different. For example, the PS VR and PS VR2 have parental controls linked to your PlayStation console, allowing you to manage those experiences in the same way you would manage your kid’s traditional video games on the platform.

Meta offers parental supervision tools for the Quest and Quest 2. These are somewhat less comprehensive than other game device parental controls and are more focused on allowing you to

monitor your kids’ VR activity. That said, they are a great step to staying involved with your kids’ video games.

ESRB offers free step-by-step parental controls guides to help make it easier for parents and caregivers to set up these tools. You can find those at ParentalTools.org. For more tips about how you can manage your kids’ video game experiences visit our Family Gaming Guide.

VR Tips

With any new technology there are new intricacies to learn. Here are some additional tips to help you and your family have a great time with your new VR headset:

• Cost May Vary – Some VR headsets cost $399 and others can sell for more than to $1,000. In fact, VR hits just about every price-point in between! Make sure you know what you’re getting, and if you’re looking into a tethered headset double check that you have a PC that is powerful enough or a compatible console.
• Make Some Space – You may recall the many TVs lost to Wiimote accidents; it’s funny to watch but not so funny if it happens in your home. Make sure you set up a dedicated space for VR to prevent any collateral damage! Part of this is also making sure people are not walking into the radius of a pair of wildly flailing arms. VR controllers also come with straps to attach to your wrists, so that may be a new Household Rule to establish.
• Take Breaks – I’m not prone to motion sickness, but there have been times when playing in VR when I find that I get a bit queasy and need to take a break. Meanwhile, my wife gets motion sick walking from the kitchen to the couch, and she’s had wonderful, stable VR experiences. It’s different for everyone, but make sure you and your kids take breaks, drink water, and monitor your reaction to VR experiences, especially as you start out and get used to the technology. Some of this has to do with certain aspects of a game, so while one game may make you feel like you need a 30-year-nap, others will be just fine! To better approach this some storefronts – like the Meta Quest Store – have “comfort ratings”.
• Have Fun! – Video games are a great way to share some quality time with your family. Even in VR, there are myriad games – like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (Everyone 10+) – that can be played together. Not only will you have a good time, but you’ll better understand why your kids love video games and how you can create appropriate video game experiences.

The post What Parents Need to Know About VR appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

What is AR?

Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (or AR) overlays virtual objects, images, and sounds over your surroundings. Modern AR makes your everyday surroundings into a playground in real time by using cameras and hardware. 

Geolocation can also be an important part of many AR games. Players can use GPS to to move around the real world to interact with the game. Whether you’re seizing territory for a team or finding new items to collect, AR can make everyday tasks more interesting.  

Some AR games are more action oriented, allowing players to battle virtual enemies projected over the user’s surroundings. Other games and apps use AR to incorporate digital elements into daily tasks. For example, an app may gamify your jog by motivating you to flee from a pack of digital zombies, or to sprint toward the spoils of a conquered kingdom.

What are some AR devices?

AR games have been around for years, dating back as far as the Nintendo DSi and the PlayStation Portable. In fact, AR games still release on current handhelds, and even home consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. But over the past couple of years the ubiquity of smartphones has given consumers the ability to experience AR games on their phones! Pokémon GO is among the best examples of how popular an AR game can be when combined with beloved characters!

What About MR?

Mixed Reality (MR) merges aspects of VR and AR into one truly innovative technology. MR incorporates virtual images and elements into the user’s field of view, creating a blend of digital and physical environments. This can seem similar to AR, but AR is more of an overlay, whereas MR technology allows digital images and elements to interact with your environment! MR is an exciting innovation, but it’s still some ways off from being available to consumers. 

Rest assured that regardless of the technology or device used, ESRB will continue to provide its trusted and familiar age and content ratings so you can make informed decisions about which games and apps are suitable for your family.

The post Reality 102: Understanding AR and MR appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

What is VR?

Virtual Reality (often abbreviated to just VR) uses powerful PCs, home consoles and/or smartphones to generate a simulated, three-dimensional environment. The goal is to give the user a sense of actual presence within an artificial world! While VR is primarily used with games, it’s also being used to immerse users in all sorts of experiences such as short films, documentaries, virtual tourism, house-hunting, museums tours, product demonstrations, medical simulations, and much more!

VR is achieved using a headset. Sometime it’s connected to a powerful computer or game console that enables content to run smoothly, while other headsets operate without a powerful connection by using a built-in display or a smartphone. Regardless of which you choose, headsets are positioned on the user’s head so the screens (one for each eye) completely envelop the user’s view. The immersion is further enhanced through the implementation of 3D sound and motion tracking. Some of the more advanced iterations use an array of cameras that track the user’s position.

It’s an experience not quite like any other.

In VR the user’s senses are completely occupied by the virtual world. It’s a completely different experience than using a traditional screen, and its potential application for video games and beyond feels limitless.

What are some VR devices?

In most cases, you can’t just pick one of these headsets up and start playing. VR requires a current generation video game console, an advanced smartphone, a powerful personal computer, or a dedicated VR device for most current headsets. Some of these include the PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear, Google Daydream View, and HTC Vive. Remember that these can be relatively pricey, so be sure to research the system requirements before you commit.  

It’s worth noting that VR headsets are not always manufactured with a child’s head in mind. As such, they are generally not recommended for kids aged under 12 or 13. In other words, make sure you read the manufacturer’s notices before bringing home a new headset. If you decide to take the plunge, first ensure the area is clear of physical obstacles to avoid any falls. It’s also a good idea to  schedule 10-minute breaks for every hour of VR gameplay, and only allow its use with adult supervision.

How does the ESRB rate VR content?

The ESRB rating system is designed to evolve with industry innovations. ESRB ratings have always incorporated context and perspective — two key factors in VR games — when evaluating the age appropriateness of a game. Look for the ESRB rating on all Oculus, PlayStation, DayDream, and Nintendo games and apps prior to purchase or download.

ESRB will rate VR titles consistently and clearly, as we have with all video games for the past 23 years. And with this virtual reality introduction, you can rest assured that the ESRB ratings provide the information you need to make decisions about all of your kids’ new video games.

The post Reality 101: Introduction to Virtual Reality appeared first on ESRB Ratings.